A city on the UNESCO World Heritage List is Melaka, which is also written as Malacca. It brings back memories of the past and is a great place to learn about other cultures. Many years ago, the city was a big harbor. Malacca Strait is where it is. The British, the Portuguese, and the Dutch changed the layout of the area. To visit Malaysia, Melaka is one of the best places to go. It has busy streets, nice buildings that have been well taken care of, and tasty food. Some of the best things to do and see in Melaka are listed below.
10 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Melaka
1. A Famosa Fort
This famous building was made by the Portuguese in the 1600s. This building is one of the oldest European ones still standing in Asia. Because the well-known fort is now a historic place, people can learn about Melaka’s early days as a colonial fortress.
2. St. Paul’s Hill and Church
Built by the Portuguese and later changed by the Dutch, this church is on top of Bukit St. Paul. It has a spectacular view of the city and is surrounded by old tombstones. Heritage buffs who want to learn more about Melaka’s royal past will love this site.
3. Stadthuys and Red Square (Dutch Square)
Dutch Square has a lot of beautiful red buildings. The Stadthuys is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the East and is in this square. There are also a clock tower, a fountain, and several museums in the area. This lively area is a great place to learn about Melaka’s royal past and take pictures.
4. Jonker Street
Jonker Street is full of bakeries, bars, and people selling food on the street. It is famous for its busy night market. You can buy souvenirs and eat wonderful street food like chicken rice balls, cendol, and laksa. It’s a fantastic place to shop and eat.
5. Melaka Sultanate Palace
The house of the Melaka Sultan from the 15th century is modeled after this museum, which tells about the time of the Malay sultanate. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Malaysia’s royal history because of the incredibly detailed wooden building and historical artifacts.
6. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
Traditional Chinese temple Cheng Hoon Teng is the oldest in Malaysia. Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all use it. With its intricate designs and calm atmosphere, the temple is a lovely and relaxing place to visit.
7. Maritime Museum (Flor de la Mar)
Housed in a replica of the Portuguese ship Flor de la Mar, this museum narrates Melaka’s rich history as a trading port. The ship museum includes exhibits on seafaring, colonial history, and Melaka’s role in the spice trade.
8. Melaka River
From the Melaka River which flows through the middle of the city, you can see many paintings and old colonial homes. One of the best ways to experience Melaka’s charm is to take a river tour through its beautiful scenery and vital historical sites.
9. Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Peranakan are the relatives of Chinese people who came to Melaka hundreds of years ago. This museum shows how they live. The museum-quality house has been carefully restored and now displays antique furniture, decorations, and other items from the past.
10. Menara Taming Sari
With its 360-degree rotation, the Menara Taming Sari viewing tower gives you a bird’s-eye view of Melaka and its landmarks and coastline.
Best Time to Visit Melaka
Melaka is best seen between May and August, when the weather is mostly dry and great for sightseeing. Big events, like the Melaka River Festival or the Melaka International Music Festival, bring a lot of people to the city and let you experience the culture of the people who live there.
Things to Do in Melaka
- Explore the Night Market on Jonker Street
- Take a Melaka River Cruise
- Visit the Shore Sky Tower
- Sample Peranakan Cuisine
- Cycle or Walk Around the Historical Sites
How to Reach Melaka
By Bus: The main bus station, Melaka Sentral, is reached by bus often from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other places in Malaysia. Buses are cheap, and you can easily book them online.
By Train: A train from Kuala Lumpur to Tampin is one way to get to Melaka. Buses or cars can take you to Melaka from there.
By Car: Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka takes only 2 hours. If you’d rather see the area at your own pace, renting a car is a good choice.
Malaysian Tourists Can Book Tickets Online!
For Malaysian travelers, booking bus tickets to Melaka has never been easier. So visit the online booking platform to plan your journey fun!